How to Keep Animals From Spraying

Spraying is a common behavioral problem in cats and dogs and can be a pain to deal with. Cats and dogs spray to mark their territory and communicate sexual availability, as well as in response to anxiety. Cats and dogs are very territorial, so if you recently brought a new animal into the house, your pet may begin to spray on furniture. Figure out what is causing the spraying and then correct the behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • Enzyme deodorizer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your animal to a veterinarian to rule out a possible health issue that may be causing the spraying.

    • 2

      Neuter or spay your animal. If you do this at a young age your animal won't reach sexual maturity and won't feel the need to spray.

    • 3

      Minimize your animal's exposure to other animals that make your animal feel threatened.

    • 4

      Maintain your animal's litter box, if it uses one. Keep litter boxes clean and have a separate litter box for each animal. Spraying can be the result of anxiety and a dirty litter box can cause stress.

    • 5

      Lower your animal's anxiety by petting it often. Developing a daily routine will also reduce stress. Feed and play with the animal at the same time each day.

    • 6

      Use an enzyme deodorizer to clean any spots where your pet has marked. If the animal can smell the urine, it will be tempted to spray again.

    • 7

      Place a food or water bowl near the area where the animal sprays, if it is consistently in the same spot. Animals don't like to urinate near their food source.

    • 8

      Fill an empty soda can with coins and tape it shut. Shake the can once to get the animal's attention when it looks like it's going to spray. Give the animal a command not to pee and then reward it with a treat or catnip.

    • 9

      Take your pet to an animal behaviorist to treat the behavior.